The North Star

Directed by Lewis Milestone in 1943, 'The North Star' tells the poignant and stirring story of a small Ukrainian village's struggle for survival amidst the brutal invasion of Nazi Germany in June 1941. Set in the idyllic village of Kolinka, nestled in the rolling hills of rural Ukraine, we find a thriving community of hardworking peasants led by the stoic, unshakeable village elder, Pavlo (Aldrich Bond). Pavlo is well-respected by his fellow villagers, who admire his unwavering dedication to their community and his ability to resolve conflicts through reason and compassion. At the heart of the village stands a beautiful and lively young woman, Natasha (Anna Lee), who has fallen in love with Sergei (Farley Granger), a young and ambitious doctor. The couple's love blossoms amidst the picturesque landscape of rolling hills, verdant forests, and fertile farmland. Sergei has just returned to Kolinka after years of studying abroad, filled with idealism and a desire to contribute to his community. Life in Kolinka was simple and peaceful until the devastating day when the Nazi war machine descended upon the village. Panicked and terrified, the villagers scramble to comprehend the full extent of the German invasion. Their tranquility was shattered as artillery fire, explosions, and screams echo across the village, signaling the start of a brutal and merciless assault. Desperate to protect their loved ones, the people of Kolinka come together to defend their home against the ruthless German army. Pavlo rallies the villagers, urging them to stand strong in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. As the battle rages on, we see Sergei, Natasha, and the villagers employing various methods of resistance, including sabotaging German equipment, hiding Jews from the Nazi genocide, and confronting the enemy. However, their efforts prove to be no match for the sheer number of Nazi troops. The village is eventually overrun, and the inhabitants are forced to flee. Sergei, who has by now become increasingly radicalized by the unfolding horrors, decides to join the partisans to resist the Nazi occupation. This decision sets him on a perilous path as he struggles to reconcile his ideals with the harsh realities of guerrilla warfare. Meanwhile, Natasha remains behind, attempting to care for her ailing mother, while also struggling to come to terms with the loss and trauma that have engulfed their village. As Kolinka lies in ruins, Natasha is forced to confront the brutal consequences of war, which threaten to shatter the very fabric of their community. The Nazi regime's brutal suppression of resistance fighters and civilians leads to Sergei's capture and torture. The cruel and relentless abuse he suffers at the hands of his captors prompts Natasha to take a drastic step - joining the partisans herself. Through her own experiences as a guerrilla, Natasha undergoes a profound transformation, from a sheltered young woman to a strong and fearless fighter. Throughout Sergei's ordeal, Pavlo remains the guiding light of the village's hope and resilience. His unwavering dedication to his people serves as an inspiration to the entire village, even as it faces complete devastation. In the midst of this chaos, Sergei and Natasha's love continues to endure, despite the unforgiving circumstances that threaten to tear them apart. In the end, Kolinka lies in ruins, and the once-thriving community is all but exterminated. The Nazi forces, having brutally suppressed the Ukrainian resistance, are left in control of the devastated land. Sergei, severely injured, is last seen watching Natasha lead a band of fellow partisans on a daring ambush against a German patrol. Shot in a location that closely matched the rolling hills of rural Ukraine, Milestone's 'The North Star' is an unflinching portrayal of war and its impact on ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire. By shedding light on the little-noticed suffering of the Ukrainian people during World War II, this powerful film serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and courage found in the human spirit.